US10100861B2

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Publication number: US10100861B2
Application number: US14/939,830
Authority: US
Inventors: Zhihui ZHANG
Original assignee: Cooper Technologies Co
Current assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Priority date: 2014-11-14
Filing date: 2015-11-12
Publication date: 2018-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-12
Also published as: WO2016077708A1; US20160138634A1

Abstract

A beam clamp for securing strut to a beam includes a clamp body having a first strut engagement portion configured for engaging a first attachment structure of a strut, and a second strut engagement portion separate from the first strut engagement portion and configured for engaging a second attachment structure of a strut.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a beam clamp for use with strut channel.

BACKGROUND

Strut channel or channel framing, also referred to as simply “strut,” is used in the construction and electrical industries for structural support, often for supporting wiring, plumbing, or mechanical components such as air conditioning or ventilation systems. Strut is usually formed from metal sheet, folded over into an open channel shape with inturned lips to provide additional stiffness and as a location to mount fittings for securing one or more components to the strut. In some applications, it is desirable to mount pieces of strut from a supporting structure, such as a beam.

A new design of channel framing suitable for use as strut is disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/966,897 filed Aug. 14, 2013. The strut disclosed in the '897 application includes the open channel and the inturned lips for mounting conventional fitting(s) thereto and also offers additional sides that are functional for mounting additional fitting(s) to secure one or more components to other sides of the strut.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a beam clamp for securing strut to a beam comprises a clamp body including a first strut engagement portion configured for engaging a first attachment structure of a strut, and a second strut engagement portion separate from the first strut engagement portion and configured for engaging a second attachment structure of a strut.

In another aspect, a beam clamp for mounting a strut on a beam comprises a clamp body including a base having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a first end extending between the first and second sides, and a second end opposite the first end and extending between the first and second sides. The base defines a first slot extending inward from the first end in a direction toward the second end and a second slot extending inward from the second side in a direction toward the first side. A first leg extends from the first side of the base in a first direction. The first leg includes a first strut engagement portion configured for engaging a first attachment structure of a strut. A second leg extends from the second side of the base in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second leg includes a second strut engagement portion configured for engaging a second attachment structure of a strut. A U-bolt has a first shank configured to be received in the first slot and a second shank configured to be received in the second slot, wherein the U-bolt is configured for securing the clamp body and a strut to a beam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a beam clamp for use in mounting a strut to a beam, with a clamp body of the beam clamp in a first orientation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the beam clamp, with the clamp body in a second orientation;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of the clamp body;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a right side elevation ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a left side elevation ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a perspective of the beam clamp secured to a beam and mounting a first embodiment of conventional strut on the beam, with the clamp body in the first orientation;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevation ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective of the beam clamp secured to the beam and mounting a first embodiment of new strut on the beam, with the clamp body in the second orientation;

FIG. 14 is a front elevation ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevation ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective of the beam clamp secured to the beam and mounting a second embodiment of conventional strut on the beam, with the clamp body in the first orientation;

FIG. 17 is a perspective of the beam clamp secured to the beam and mounting a second embodiment of new strut on the beam, with the clamp body in the second orientation;

FIG. 18 is a perspective showing multiple beam clamps securing strut to the beam;

FIG. 19 is a perspective showing the beam clamp securing multiple new struts to the beam; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective showing the beam clamp securing multiple conventional struts to the beam.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a beam clamp for mounting strut channel (also referred to in the below disclosure as simply “strut”) on a support member (e.g., beam B) is generally indicated at10. Thebeam clamp10 is configured for use with multiple strut configurations. Specifically, thebeam clamp10 includes separate first and secondstrut engagement portions12,14 (indicated generally) for use with strut types having different fitting attachment structures, as described in detail below.

Thebeam clamp10 includes a clamp body, generally indicated at16, and a fastener (e.g., bolt assembly18) configured to attach the clamp body to the beam B. Thebolt assembly18 includesU-bolt20,washers22, andnuts24 for securing the clamp body16 (and strut) to the beam B.

Referring toFIGS. 3-9, theclamp body16 includes abase30 and first and

second legs

32,34 extending from opposite ends of the base. Thefirst leg32 extends from afirst end36 of thebase30 in a first direction generally perpendicular to the base (e.g., upward inFIG. 3). Thesecond leg34 extends from asecond end38 of thebase30 in a second direction generally perpendicular to the base and opposite the first direction (e.g., downward inFIG. 3). As illustrated, thebase30,first leg32, andsecond leg34 are generally planar. In the illustrated embodiment, theclamp body16 is formed as a unitary structure. Theclamp body16 may be formed from rigid metal, such as low carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals, or from other material.

Thebase30 includes first and

second slots

40,42 configured to receive theU-bolt20 therethrough. Thefirst slot40 extends inward from afirst side44 of thebase30 in a direction toward asecond side46 of the base. Thesecond slot42 extends inward from thesecond end38 of thebase30 in a direction toward thefirst end36 of the base. As illustrated, the first and

second slots

40,42 extend generally perpendicular to each other. The first and

second slots

40,42 are located closer to thesecond end38 than thefirst end36, although other configurations are within the scope of the present invention. As seen inFIGS. 3-5, thesecond leg34 does not extend all the way from thefirst side44 of thebase30 to thesecond side46 of the base due to theslot42. Thus, thesecond leg34 has a shorter length than thefirst leg32. As illustrated inFIG. 8, thesecond slot42 is partially defined by acurved wall48. The

slots

40,42 permit theU-bolt20 to be quickly and easily swung or pivoted into position for connecting theclamp body16 to the beam B. For example, once afirst shank104 of theU-bolt20 is inserted into thefirst slot40, the second shank of the U-bolt can be swung or pivoted about the first shank into thesecond slot42 along thecurved wall48. Alternatively, once a first shank of the U-bolt20 is inserted into thefirst slot40, theclamp body16 can be swung or pivoted about the first shank toward the second shank so that the second shank enters thesecond slot42 along thecurved wall48.

Thefirst leg32 includes the firststrut engagement portion12 configured for attachment to strut having a first attachment structure, and thesecond leg34 includes the secondstrut engagement portion14 configured for attachment to strut having a second attachment structure different from the first attachment structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the firststrut engagement portion12 includes atab52, and the secondstrut engagement portion14 includes anotch54. It is understood the first and second

strut engagement portions

12,14 can have different configurations within the scope of the present invention. Because theclamp body16 includes two different

strut engagement portions

12,14, thebeam clamp10 can be used with strut including different attachment structures. Theclamp body16 can be attached to strut in the appropriate orientation depending on the attachment structure of the strut and which strut

engagement portion

12,14 is used to engage the strut attachment structure.

Referring still toFIGS. 3-9, thetab52 extends outward from afree end56 of thefirst leg32. As illustrated, thetab52 is generally centered along a length of thefirst leg32, although other configurations are within the scope of the present invention. Thetab52 includes

sides

58,60 and afree end62 extending between the side walls. The

side walls

58,60 of thetab52 flare away from each other as they extend from thefree end62 of the tab to thefree end56 of thefirst leg32. Accordingly, thetab52 has a first relatively narrower width (e.g., a minimum width) adjacent thefree end62 and a second relatively wider width (e.g., a maximum width) adjacent thefree end56 of thefirst leg32. Thetab52 is configured for engaging strut, as described below.

Referring toFIGS. 3-9, thesecond leg34 includes anotch54 extending inward from afree end66 of the second leg. Thenotch54 is defined by opposing

side walls

68,70 and aninner wall72 extending between the side walls. The

side walls

68,70 flare away from each other as they extend from theinner wall72 to thefree end66 of thesecond leg34. Accordingly, thenotch54 has a first relatively narrower width (e.g., a minimum width) adjacent theinner wall72 and a second relatively wider width (e.g., a maximum width) at its entrance adjacent thefree end66 of thesecond leg34.

Thebeam clamp10 is configured for attachment to multiple types ofstrut76. In general, referring toFIGS. 10-20, thestrut76 is of a first type having anelongate body78 with a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape having anupper side80, a planarlower side82, a planarright side84, and a planar left side86 (each indicated generally). Theupper side80 defines a continuous slot88 (i.e., the upper side is open). Theupper side80 has outside surfaces90 on either side of theslot88, and inwardly (or downwardly) dependinglips92 leading to anopen interior94 of thestrut76. In some embodiments, theslot88 is the only attachment structure of the strut76 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 10-12, 16, and 20). In other embodiments, thestrut76 can be of a second type including one or morefitting grooves98 extending lengthwise of the body78 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 13-15, 17, and 19). For example, the strut can be strut as described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/966,897 filed Aug. 14, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. At least one of the lower, right, and left

sides

82,84,86, respectively, can define a fitting groove98 (see, e.g.,FIG. 17). Alternatively, at least the side (e.g., lower side82) opposite the slotted side (e.g., upper side80) defines afitting groove98, while the other two sides (e.g., the right and leftsides84,86) may or may not define fitting grooves (see, e.g.,FIGS. 13-15). Alternatively, the strut may include at least onefitting groove98 and no continuous slot (i.e., the upper side is closed).

With reference to the embodiments ofstrut76 shown inFIGS. 13-15, 17, and 19, eachfitting groove98 is defined by opposingside walls100 extending inwardly from generally planar outer surfaces of the

corresponding side

82,84,86 and toward the interior94 of the body78 (FIG. 15). Theside walls100 extend to abottom wall102 that spans between and interconnects the side walls. Theside walls100 flare away from one another as they extend inward from the outer surfaces toward thebottom102 of thefitting groove98 so that each fitting groove has a generally dovetail cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, eachfitting groove98 has a first relatively narrower width (e.g., a minimum width) at its entrance and a second relatively wider width (e.g., a maximum width) adjacent thebottom wall102. In general, thefitting grooves98 are configured for receiving a coupling component of a fitting for use in attaching or securing the fitting to any one of the

sides

82,84,86 of thestrut channel76.

Referring toFIGS. 10-12, in one embodiment, thebeam clamp10 is in a first orientation wherein the secondstrut engagement portion14 is positioned for engagement with thestrut76. At least a portion of thebase30 of theclamp body16 rests upon and is supported by a flange F of the beam B such that thefirst leg32 extends generally upward from the base and thesecond leg34 extends generally downward from the base. The secondstrut engagement portion14 engages thestrut76 supported on the beam. Specifically, as seen inFIGS. 10-12, a portion of thestrut76 is received in thenotch54 such that theoutside surfaces90 of theupper side80 engage theinner wall72 of the notch. Moreover, the

side walls

68,70 of thenotch54 may engage the

side walls

84,86 of thestrut76 or may be slightly spaced from the side walls to define small gaps therebetween. Alternatively, thestrut76 can be received in thenotch54 in a different orientation, such that theinner wall72 of the notch engages one of the lower, left, and

right sides

82,84,86 of the strut76 (not shown). Engagement between thestrut76 and the secondstrut engagement portion14 maintains alignment of the strut on the beam B and prevents rotation of the strut relative to the beam. TheU-bolt20 is connected to theclamp body16 such thatshanks104 of the U-bolt extend through the

slots

40,42, and thebottom106 of the U-bolt extends below and supports thestrut76.Washers22 are positioned on theshanks104 of the U-bolt20 adjacent thebase30, andnuts24 are threaded onto the shanks and tightened to attach thebeam clamp10, and therefore thestrut76, to the beam B.

Referring toFIGS. 13-15, in another embodiment, thebeam clamp10 is in a second orientation wherein the firststrut engagement portion12 is positioned for engagement with thestrut76. At least a portion of thebase30 of theclamp body16 rests upon and is supported by the flange F of the beam B such that thesecond leg34 extends generally upward from the base and thefirst leg32 extends generally downward from the base. The firststrut engagement portion12 engages thestrut76 supported on the beam B. Specifically, as seen inFIGS. 13-15, thetab52 is inserted into theopen slot88 of thestrut76. The

side walls

58,60 may engage thelips92 on either side of the open slot (or be slightly spaced from the lips) and thefree end56 of thefirst leg32 may engage theoutside surfaces90 of theupper side80. Alternatively, thetab52 can be inserted into thedovetail fitting groove98 of thestrut76. The

side walls

58,60 of the tab may engage theside walls100 of the fitting groove (or be slightly spaced from the side walls of the fitting groove) and thefree end56 of thefirst leg32 engages the lower side82 (not shown). Engagement between thestrut76 and the firststrut engagement portion12 maintains alignment of the strut on the beam B and prevents rotation of the strut relative to the beam. TheU-bolt20 is connected to theclamp body16 such that theshanks104 of the U-bolt extend through the

slots

40,42, and thebottom106 of the U-bolt extends below and supports thestrut76.Washers22 are positioned on theshanks104 of the U-bolt adjacent thebase30, andnuts24 are threaded onto the legs and tightened to attach thebeam clamp10, and therefore thestrut76, to the beam B.

As seen inFIG. 18, preferably a pair of beam clamps10 is used to attachstrut76 to the beam B, one beam clamp on each side of a web W of the beam. As illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20, more than onestrut76 can be attached to the beam B by thebeam clamp10. Theshanks104 of the U-bolt20 can have any desired length to accommodate supporting one ormore strut76 on the beam B. In the illustrated embodiment, the firststrut engagement portion12 is configured for engagement with a new strut, such as the new strut described in the '897 application, and the secondstrut engagement portion14 is configured for engagement with a standard or conventional strut. However, other configurations are within the scope of the present invention. For example, thetab52 can be configured for insertion into theopen slot88 of a standard strut. Thenotch54 can be configured for receiving a portion of a new strut. Both of the first and

second engagement portions

12,14 can be tabs configured for engagement with different types of strut. Alternatively, both of the first and

second engagement portions

12,14 can be notches configured for engagement with different types of strut. Either and/or both of the first and

second engagement portions

12,14 can be configured for engagement with one or more types of strut.

Thebeam clamp10 is suitable for mounting known strut configurations, such as, for example, the following channel product numbers sold by Cooper B-Line: B22 (see, e.g.,FIG. 16), B54 (see, e.g.,FIG. 10), Z22 (see, e.g.,FIG. 17), Z52 (see, e.g.,FIG. 13), and any other known strut. Thebeam clamp10 is also suitable for attachment to strut having a different attachment structure than conventional strut, such as the strut having additional functional sides as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/966,897. Thus, workers at the job site have the flexibility to mount the strut in any orientation, according to the needs at the job site. Furthermore, the workers need only have one type of beam clamp, rather than requiring different clamp structures for mounting different struts.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A beam clamp for securing strut to a beam, the beam clamp comprising:

a U-bolt including threaded first and second shanks; and

a clamp body including

a base having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the base defines first and second openings, adjacent the respective first and second sides, sized and shaped to receive the respective first and second shanks of the U-bolt,

a first leg extending from the first end of the base, the first leg including a first strut engagement portion configured for engaging a first type of strut having a first strut profile for use in securing the first type of strut to the beam, wherein the first strut engagement portion comprises a tab extending outward from a free end of the first leg, wherein the tab is configured to be received in a selected one of a slot and a groove of the first type of strut, and

a second leg extending from the second end of the base, the second leg including a second strut engagement portion configured for engaging a second type of strut having a second strut profile for use in securing the second type of strut to the beam, wherein the second strut engagement portion comprises a notch extending inward from a free end of the second leg, wherein the notch is sized and shaped to receive a side of the second type of strut,

wherein the first strut engagement portion extends from the base in a first direction generally perpendicular to the base, and the second strut engagement portion extends from the base in a second direction opposite the first direction and generally perpendicular to the base.

2. The beam clamp set forth inclaim 1, wherein the first opening comprises a first slot extending inward from adjacent the second end of the base toward the first end of the base.

3. The beam clamp set forth inclaim 2, wherein the second opening comprises a second slot extending inward from the first side of the base toward the second side of the base.

4. The beam claim set forth inclaim 3, wherein the second slot extends generally perpendicular to the first slot.

5. A strut and beam clamp system comprising:

a first strut having a first profile and including upper, lower, left, and right sides, a longitudinal groove defined by the lower side, and a continuous slot extending along the upper side; and

a beam clamp secured to the first strut and comprising a U-bolt including threaded first and second shanks, and a clamp body including

a base having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the base defines first and second openings adjacent the respective first and second sides, wherein the first and second shanks of the U-bolt are secured in the first and second openings, respectively,

a first leg extending from the first end of the base, the first leg including a tab extending outward from a free end of the second leg, wherein the tab is configured to be received in the continuous slot and the groove of the first strut, and

a second leg extending from the second end of the base, the second leg including a notch extending inward from a free end of the first leg, wherein the notch is sized and shaped to receive a side of a second type of strut having a second profile different from the first profile,

wherein the tab is received in one of the slot and the groove of the first strut.

6. The strut and beam clamp system set forth inclaim 5, wherein the first opening comprises a first slot extending inward from adjacent the second end of the base toward the first end of the base.

7. The strut and beam clamp system set forth inclaim 6, wherein the second opening comprises a second slot extending inward from the first side of the base toward the second side of the base.

8. The strut and beam clamp system set forth inclaim 7, wherein the second slot extends generally perpendicular to the first slot.

9. A strut and beam clamp system comprising:

a first strut having a first profile and including upper, lower, left, and right sides, and a continuous slot extending along the upper side; and

a first leg extending from the first end of the base in a first direction generally perpendicular to the base, the first leg including a tab extending outward from a free end of the second leg, wherein the tab is configured to be selectively received in one of a continuous slot and a groove of a second type of strut having a second profile different from the first profile, and

a second leg extending from the second end of the base in a second direction opposite the first direction and generally perpendicular to the base, the second leg including a notch extending inward from a free end of the first leg, wherein the notch is sized and shaped to selectively receive one of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the first strut

wherein one of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the first strut is received in the notch of the first leg.

10. The strut and beam clamp system set forth inclaim 9, wherein the first opening comprises a first slot extending inward from adjacent the second end of the base toward the first end of the base.

11. The strut and beam clamp system set forth inclaim 10, wherein the second opening comprises a second slot extending inward from the first side of the base toward the second side of the base.

12. The strut and beam clamp system set forth inclaim 11, wherein the second slot extends generally perpendicular to the first slot.